Genetic linkage map construction and QTL mapping of salt tolerance traits in Zoysiagrass (Zoysia japonica)

PLoS One. 2014 Sep 9;9(9):e107249. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0107249. eCollection 2014.

Abstract

Zoysiagrass (Zoysia Willd.) is an important warm season turfgrass that is grown in many parts of the world. Salt tolerance is an important trait in zoysiagrass breeding programs. In this study, a genetic linkage map was constructed using sequence-related amplified polymorphism markers and random amplified polymorphic DNA markers based on an F1 population comprising 120 progeny derived from a cross between Zoysia japonica Z105 (salt-tolerant accession) and Z061 (salt-sensitive accession). The linkage map covered 1211 cM with an average marker distance of 5.0 cM and contained 24 linkage groups with 242 marker loci (217 sequence-related amplified polymorphism markers and 25 random amplified polymorphic DNA markers). Quantitative trait loci affecting the salt tolerance of zoysiagrass were identified using the constructed genetic linkage map. Two significant quantitative trait loci (qLF-1 and qLF-2) for leaf firing percentage were detected; qLF-1 at 36.3 cM on linkage group LG4 with a logarithm of odds value of 3.27, which explained 13.1% of the total variation of leaf firing and qLF-2 at 42.3 cM on LG5 with a logarithm of odds value of 2.88, which explained 29.7% of the total variation of leaf firing. A significant quantitative trait locus (qSCW-1) for reduced percentage of dry shoot clipping weight was detected at 44.1 cM on LG5 with a logarithm of odds value of 4.0, which explained 65.6% of the total variation. This study provides important information for further functional analysis of salt-tolerance genes in zoysiagrass. Molecular markers linked with quantitative trait loci for salt tolerance will be useful in zoysiagrass breeding programs using marker-assisted selection.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Breeding / methods
  • Chromosome Mapping / methods
  • DNA, Plant / genetics
  • Genetic Linkage / genetics*
  • Genetic Markers / genetics
  • Plant Leaves / genetics
  • Poaceae / genetics*
  • Polymorphism, Genetic / genetics
  • Quantitative Trait Loci / genetics*
  • Salt Tolerance / genetics*

Substances

  • DNA, Plant
  • Genetic Markers

Grants and funding

This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant no. 30800759) and the National Science and Technology Support Program of China (Grant nos. 2011BAD13B09 and 2012BAB03B04). The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.